ANGLERS HOPING FOR spring chinook to make a much earlier-than-usual run should either be patient or hope harder.
Springers have been seen, but in slim quantities.
Bob Gooding of Olympic Sporting Goods (360-374-6330) in Forks said he’s heard of maybe a half-dozen being caught by sport fishermen so far.
Truthfully, springers typically run through the West End rivers in mid- to late-April or May.
So until then, river anglers can try to catch a photo opportunity with a wild steelhead.
That fishery continues to taper off.
“It’s OK, but not smoking,” Gooding said. “It’s a little on the slow side.”
On the Hoh River, the wild steelhead season ends Monday, April 15.
The season lasts until Tuesday, April 30, on the Bogachiel, Calawah and Sol Duc rivers.
College fishing courses
This quarter’s fishing classes at Peninsula College are coming up.
Ron Link is teaching four courses this spring: Fishing for Steelhead, Fly Fishing, River Fishing and Fishing the Peninsula.
Being a wise fisherman, Link has scheduled these classes to start later in the quarter in hopes of better weather and fishing conditions for each course’s field trip.
Besides, there isn’t much quality fishing happening right now, as mentioned above.
Finding information on these classes online can be frustrating, so I will help you by providing as much information as I can, including what I think are the class numbers, which I hope will make registration easier.
The best way to register for these classes is probably phoning Peninsula College at 360-417-6340.
All of these classes include weeknight classroom sessions and a Saturday field trip in which you can put your newfound knowledge to work.
■ Fishing for Steelhead (Class number: S435)
Dates: Friday, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Sequim Education Center (corner of Sequim Avenue and Spruce Street in Sequim).
Fee: $85.
■ Fly Fishing (N425)
Dates: Thursdays, May 2 through May 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Center Main (905 W. 9th St. in Port Angeles).
Fee: $93.50.
Description: Learn the basics of fly fishing and become acquainted with the fisheries, tackle and techniques that apply. No equipment necessary.
■ River Fishing (N435)
Dates: Friday, May 10, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Center Main.
Fee: $85.
Description: A tour of fishable waters of the Sol Duc River. Class will cover fisheries and techniques. No equipment necessary.
■ Fishing the Peninsula (S425)
Dates: Friday, June 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Sequim Education Center.
Fee: $76.50.
Description: Become familiar with the North Olympic Peninsula and the variety of fishing opportunities it offers.
This course is great for those new to the Peninsula or new to fishing the Peninsula.
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Outdoors columnist Lee Horton appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or at lhorton@peninsuladailynews.com.
